Synopsis:
Babar and his family are thrilled that Celesteville is hosting the Games! This is their chance to see the best athletes from all over the world compete and to meet new people from other countries. Everyone is wide-eyed as gymnasts fly through the air, divers make a splash, and cyclists race to the finish line!

In addition, Babar and Celestes children are all grown up, and romance is in the air. Babars daughter, Flora, likes to watch the handsome pole-vaulter Cory, from the country of Mirza. One day the two meet in the park, and love soon follows. When Cory asks Flora to marry him, everyone must come together to help them have a magnificent Mirzi wedding.

Babars Celesteville Games is a grand tale about sportsmanship, love, and diversity.

Discussion topics for before reading:

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Have you seen any of the Winter or Summer Olympic Games? (The Olympics will be held again next summer in London)

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What events are in the summer Olympic?

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What competition would you like to compete in?

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What is your favorite to watch in person?

Vocabulary

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Candelabras (a large branched candle holder)

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Coriander (cilantro)

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Immense (really big, huge)

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Chariot

Discussion topics for during/after reading:

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What happens at the opening ceremonies?

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What was different about the Mirza wedding? (Flora wears a sari, flowers are thrown, chariot)

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Why does Coriander have small ears? (Elephants from Africa have larger ears than elephants from Asia/India)

Craft ideas:

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Create flags for different countries competing in the Games- bring ahead tape and small dowels or use pipe cleaners.

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Create gold, silver and bronze medals-cut two circles out of construction paper, then glue ribbon or yarn in between the circles.

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Make elephant puppets using paper bags or masks with plates.

Special activities:

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Carry your flag and wear medals in a processional into the auditorium.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you dont have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!